Professional Map Production Workflow

From Raw GIS Data to a Stable Print-Ready Map

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By now you understand:

• What a vector map is

• How to obtain geodata

• Why topology matters

• How projections distort

• Why generalization is essential

• How file formats work

Now we assemble everything into a controlled production pipeline.

Because professional cartography is not a set of tricks.

It is a system.

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The Complete Production Sequence

A stable vector map is created in stages:

1. Data acquisition

2. CRS alignment

3. Topology cleaning

4. Graph correction

5. Classification standardization

6. Generalization

7. Format export

8. Illustrator refinement

9. Print validation

Skipping stages causes instability later.

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Stage 1 — Import Raw Data

Raw SHP or OSM extract is never ready for production.

Typical problems at this stage:

• Inconsistent projection

• Broken polygons

• Duplicate segments

• Attribute overload

• Unnecessary object classes

Before doing anything else:

Inspect the dataset.

Never assume it is clean.

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Stage 2 — Coordinate Reference System Alignment

All layers must share the same CRS.

Failure to align projection causes:

• Offset layers

• Misaligned boundaries

• Incorrect scaling

• Label distortion

CRS alignment is foundational.

Do it once, do it correctly.

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Stage 3 — Topology Cleaning

Topology ensures geometric correctness.

Fix:

• Unclosed polygons

• Self-intersections

• Duplicate boundaries

• Micro-gaps

• Overlapping lines

Topology errors may not be visible immediately.

But they appear during:

• Simplification

• Styling

• Export

• Printing

Clean topology prevents future chaos.

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Stage 4 — Structural Graph Validation

The street network must:

• Be fully connected

• Have no broken intersections

• Have standardized classification

• Avoid duplicate segments

The road graph defines structural logic.

If graph integrity fails, styling cannot compensate.

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Stage 5 — Classification Standardization

Before design begins:

Unify road categories.

Example structure:

• Motorway

• Primary

• Secondary

• Tertiary

• Residential

Standardized classification makes hierarchy predictable.

Without it, layer logic becomes unstable.

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Stage 6 — Controlled Generalization

Apply simplification carefully.

Match tolerance to:

• Final print scale

• Geographic extent

• Target audience

Over-simplification destroys recognizability.

Under-simplification overloads the map.

Balance is professional judgment.

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Stage 7 — Intermediate Save

At this point, create a stable base file:

This becomes your production master.

Never export directly from raw data.

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Stage 8 — Export to Design Environment

Export cleaned dataset to AI-compatible format.

Check:

• Geometry integrity

• Layer separation

• Stroke conversion

• Projection consistency

Do not apply final styling inside GIS.

Keep structure clean.

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Stage 9 — Illustrator Refinement

Now design begins.

In Illustrator:

• Organize layers

• Establish stroke hierarchy

• Apply typography

• Adjust visual balance

• Refine color palette

GIS builds structure.

Illustrator builds clarity.

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Stage 10 — Performance Optimization

Large vector maps can become unstable.

Optimize by:

• Removing unused objects

• Reducing hidden layers

• Avoiding unnecessary transparency

• Keeping stroke styles simple

Performance is part of production discipline.

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Stage 11 — Print Validation

Before final export:

• Zoom to 100% print scale

• Check label readability

• Inspect stroke consistency

• Verify color mode

• Print a test fragment

Screen approval is not print approval.

Always test physically.

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Version Control Discipline

Professional workflow includes incremental saves:

Never overwrite stages.

Production errors are inevitable.

Recovery must be possible.

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Why Workflow Discipline Matters

Without discipline:

• Files become unstable

• Export fails

• Layers become chaotic

• Revisions become impossible

With discipline:

• Complex maps remain manageable

• Large-scale printing becomes predictable

• Projects remain reproducible

Cartography is engineering.

Engineering requires process.

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Production Mindset

Think like an architect.

You do not decorate before the structure stands.

You do not simplify before cleaning.

You do not print before testing.

Every stage prepares the next one.

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What Separates Amateur from Professional

Amateur workflow:

Import → Style → Export.

Professional workflow:

Import → Clean → Structure → Validate → Simplify → Export → Design → Test → Finalize.

The difference is not talent.

The difference is discipline.

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Summary

Professional vector map production is:

• Sequential

• Structured

• Controlled

• Reproducible

It is not artistic improvisation.

It is engineered clarity.

When workflow is stable,
complex geography becomes manageable.

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Next Chapter

Now that production structure is clear,
we move to the final critical stage:

→ Chapter 9 — Preparing a Vector Map for Print in Illustrator

Go to Start Page: Technology of Vector Map Production

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct order of map production?
Import → Clean → Validate → Generalize → Export → Design → Test → Finalize.

Why is version control important in cartography?
It prevents data loss and allows rollback if errors occur.

Should I simplify data before cleaning topology?
No. Clean structure first, simplify second.

Is Illustrator a GIS replacement?
No. Illustrator is for visual refinement, not structural data correction.

Table of contents

Chapter 1 — What Is a Vector Map?
Chapter 2 — Obtaining and Preparing Geodata (SHP, OSM, GeoJSON)
Chapter 3 — Street Network as a Graph (Nodes and Edges Explained)
Chapter 4 — Cartographic Layer Hierarchy and Visual Structure
Chapter 5 — Map Projections and Why Distortion Is Inevitable
Chapter 6 — Map Generalization and Scale Control
Chapter 7 — Vector Formats: SHP, GeoJSON, AI and PDF
Chapter 8 — Professional Map Production Workflow
Chapter 9 — Preparing a Vector Map for Print in Illustrator
Chapter 10 — Common Mistakes in Vector Map Production